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The Chemical Engineering of the Radium Process : Final Report
Radium which occurs with the uranium in pitchblende ores remains with the gangue when the uranium is extracted by a hot, mixed acid leach. Upon completion of the laboratory research on the radium process, this report was organized into three phases which are contained in this publication.
Report for Research on Substitute Materials, April 2, 1951 to July 2, 1951 (Actinium-227)
This report contains the portion of the Substitute Materials Program dealing with research and development on the production and application of actinium-227.
Development of Pulsed Neutron Application to Power Reactor Start-Up Procedures. Seventh and Eighth Quarterly Progress Report, October 1, 1963-March 31, 1964
Activities in a program to develop techniques in the use of pulsed neutron sources to measure shutdown parameters related to large thermal power reactors are reported. In the course of this program, a new theory was suggested and an experimental apparatus was designed and built. Experiments were carried out to test the new model. This present report contains additional data and information extracted from the experiments at PG&E Humboldt Bay Power Reactor at Eureka, California. During the last days of 1963 a number of control rod and fuel bundle worth measurements were made in the ESADA Vallecitos Experimental Superheat Reactor (EVESR) using the (k[beta]/[script l] technique. A description of the experiments is given in the text of the report and some results are reported. A computer program was written to perform the data analysis of the pulsed neutron experiments and the code is discussed in the Appendix.
High Power Density Development Project: Sixteenth Quarterly Progress Report, January-March 1964
Development of nuclear reactor cores having high power density, long fuel life, and low fabrication costs is the objective of this program sponsored by the AEC. Five tasks are in progress: (1) Task 1A-High Power Density Fuel Development, (2) Task 1B-Fuel Fabrication Development. Assembly, (3) Task II-Stability, Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow, (4) Task III-Physics Development, and (5) Task IV-Co-Ordination and Test Planning.
In-Core Instrumentation Development Program Quarterly Progress Report January - March 1964
The objective of Project Agreement 22 is to determine the feasibility of using in-core ion chambers to cover the complete reactor neutron flux startup range from 10(4) -5 - 10(13) nv using in-core ion chambers. This technical report discusses the following topics: low versus high cable termination impedance, amplifier considerations, noise considerations, gas and pressure selection, cable selection, effect of gamma, effect of temperature, and remaining problems.
Accurate Nuclear Fuel Burnup Analyses; Ninth Quarterly Progress Report, (December 1963 - February 1964)
The objective of the Accurate Nuclear Fuel Burnup Analyses program is to develop more accurate methods for burnup analysis for general use than the current method of analysis of Ca-137 or Sr-90. The program will require from three to five years of effort.
AEC Fuel Cycle Program Design and Fabrication of Special Assembly 9-L : Irradiation Performance Test of UO2-Cermet Fuel
Technical report describing a UO2-Mo cermet fuel assembly fabricated for long-term irradiation performance testing in the Vallecitos Boiling water Reactor. The design and fabrication histories of this assembly are described and pre-irradiation data on each individual rod are presented. Molybdenum was added to improve the bulk thermal conductivity of the fuel, so that fuel temperatures would remain comparatively low during high-power level operation of the fuel element. The molybdenum was incorporated into the compacts either as fibers or as a thin coating on individual UO2 particles. Fuel pellets were produced from these materials by vacuum hot pressing. The distribution of the molybdenum in both types of cermet fuels appeared favorable to good heat transfer. The fibers were oriented predominantly in the radial planes of the pellet as a result of the uni-directional compaction during the hot-pressing operation. In the pellets made from the coated particles, a continuous network of molybdenum occurred as a result of the coating welding together during the hot-pressing operation. The test assembly contains eight fuel rods; three contain UO2-Mo cermet, three contain the cermet produced from the coated particles, and two are for reference and contain the conventional sintered UO2 pellet fuel. The nominal outside diameter of the fuel rods is 1.308 cm (0.515 inch), and the clad wall thickness if 0.051 cm (0.020 inch). the cladding material is Type-304 stainless steel. The fuel pellets were all centerless ground to achieve a uniform outside diameter and thereby control the pellet-to-clad diametral clearance within a range of 0.076 to 0.102 mm (0.003 to 0.004 inch). Operation of the fuel rods will be at high specific power levels with surface heat fluxes of about 157 W/cm(2) (~500,000 Btu/h-ft(2)). The assembly was designed for a lifetime of 4.1 x 10(20) fission/cc (15,000 MWD/T) exposure.
Two-Phase Pressure Losses Quarterly Progress Report: Eighth Quarter, November 12, 1963 - February 11, 1964
Technical report describing that voids were measured in a ½-inch by 1-3/4-inch channel with the S-1 insert (B(0)/B(1) = 0.4, L(0) = 0.1 inch), at 2 inches ahead of the insert (position A), ½-inch past the insert (position B), 5 inches past (position C), and 12 inches past (position D). The conditions were: P – 1000 psia, G = 1.00 x 10(6) lb/h-ft(2), and x = 18.8 percent. Average void and void distribution at position A are the same as for flow in a straight channel. Void distribution at position B shows that the stagnation region downstream of the inserts contains a high fraction of voids. Average void and void distribution at positions C and d show that the two-phase mixture becomes strongly mixed (homogenized) as a result of passing through he contraction-expansion inserts. Distribution at position D approaches the distribution at position A; i.e., the straight channel distribution.
Nuclear Superheat Quarterly Project Report: Eighteenth Quarter, November, 1963-January, 1964
From introduction: "This is the eighteenth in a series of quarterly reports which cover the progress and results from the conceptual designs, economic evaluations and research and development work performed by the General Electric Company as part of Contract AT(01-3)-189, Project Agreement No. 13."
Design and Fabrication of Fuel Rods Containing Sintered UO2 Extrusions - Assembly 11L
The extrusion forming of ceramic powders may be economically interesting in the field of nuclear fuel fabrication. When applied to the forming of rod-type uranium dioxide fuel, extrusion processes have been able to produce cylindrical bodies with length-to-diameter ratios much greater than those of the conventional die-pressed pellets. Furthermore, after being sintered, the extrusions have exhibited densities at least as high as those of sintered pellets. Thus, extrusion forming may offer reductions in handling during fabrication and, at the same time, provide a fuel with improved performance characteristics by decreasing the number of discontinuities in the fuel column. This report reviews the production of these extrusions, sets forth some of their characteristics, describes the materials and processes employed in cladding them, and records the pre-irradiation data pertaining to the finished fuel rods and fuel assembly. Irradiation of the fuel assembly in the VBWR was initiated on July 17, 1962.
Design and Fabrication of Pellet Fuel Rods Clad With Thin Wall Stainless Steel
Summary: Stainless steel clad nuclear fuel cycle costs can be reduced to those associated with Zircaloy clad fuel or potentially lower by reducing the thickness of the clad tube wall until performance penalties offset the savings associated with the reduction in parasitic neutron absorption. To demonstrate the feasibility and investigate performance capabilities of thin clad fuel rods for power reactor application an assembly was fabricated with 0.0127 cm (5 mil) thick stainless steel cladding tubes for irradiation testing in the Vallecitos Boiling Water Reactor (VBWR). The fuel bundle was placed in the VBWR and irradiation was begun in November, 1961. The irradiation is scheduled to continue until the target exposure of 2.74 x 10(20) fissions/cc (10,000 MWD/T of uranium) average burnup is reached. Destructive examinations of fuel rods will be performed at regular intervals throughout life to determine fuel rod performance.
Mechanical, Fluid Flow, and Heat Transfer Out-Of-Pile Tests on EVESR MKI Prototype Fuel Bundle
Summary: An EVESR MKI prototype fuel bundle was fully instrumented and operated intermittently for a 5-month period at the Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Moss Landing Power Station. The vessel was operated up to 1000 psi with steam flows from 3000 to 26,600 lb/h, and steam inlet temperatures up to 825 degrees F. Data was recorded for blowout, vibration, flow distribution, heat transfer and pressure drop. The mechanical integrity of the fuel bundle, riser, and jumper system was satisfactory and considered to be of adequate design. No significant vibrations were noted during the various phases of operation. Average flow distribution in three of the inner tubes showed an average variation of 5 percent from equal distribution. The center and corner tubes were low and the side tube was high. Maximum deviation, from an equal one, measured 12 percent. Blowout of the flooded fuel bundle was accomplished with dry or significantly wet 1000 psia inlet steam, that steadied out to a minimum flow of 1250 lb/h. Blowout times were estimated at less than a minute for all flows above 1250 lb/h, and times in the vicinity of 2000 lb/h were estimated to be in the order of 5 to 15 seconds. Once the bundle was blown out a flow of 700 lb/h was sufficient to keep the fuel passages clear. This was true even with steam estimated at 10 to 20 percent wet. Flows below 1250 lb/h caused partial blowout. Usually the A tube blew out first and the B and C tubes gradually cleared as flow was increased. Los of flow then caused comparatively sudden flooding ranging from less than 2 to 3 seconds to several minutes for the different tubes within the bundle. Once the bundle was blown out and the flow maintained at more than 700 lb/h, not …
Preoperational Power Stability Analysis of the Consumers Big Rock Point Plant
Summary: An analytical study of the stability of the Big Rock Nuclear Reactor has been performed for the plant as built, and supplements a previous design stability study. The plant has been determined by this analysis to be very stable under every mode of operation anticipated during Phase I of the development program testing. Even under conservative assumptions of system parameters the minimum calculated gain and phase margins do not go below 13.0 db and 46 degrees, respectively. (Nor are these both reached simultaneously for the same operating condition.) These are characteristics of a very stable, well-behaved system. In addition to this analysis, a second, less conservative series of computations was performed to provide expected realistic closed loop data for comparison with Phase I test results. The most responsive test thus predicted occurs at 60 percent power, 1500 psia, minimum flow, and maximum subcooling. For this case the closed loop peak response of power to reactivity occurs at a frequency of 0.90 cycles per second with an amplitude of 3.90 db. This corresponds to an expected open loop gain margin of 16.5 db and a phase margin of 63 degrees. Although knowledge of reactor transfer function is to be determined from tests designed around the analyzed cases, no operational cases will approach an unstable or even a substantially underdamped situation, according to the analytical predictions.
Sodium Mass Transfer. [Part] XI. 1963 Test Run Reports (January - June)
Technical report describing how corrosion data and exposure effects were obtained by subjecting metallic samples, during programmed test runs to flowing sodium in 6 test loops fabricated with various combinations of three selected materials, Type 316 stainless steel, 2 1/4 Cr-1 Mo alloy steel, and 5 Cr-1/2 Mo-1/2 Ti alloy steel. Information produced by each test run, including operational and metallurgical data and analyses, is presented. Data are shown in tables, graphs, and drawings.
Fuel Cycle Program Progress Report: Fourteenth Quarter, October-December 1963
Quarterly progress report discussing activities related to the Vallecitos Boiling Water Reactor (VBWR) and related facilities.
High Power Density Development Project: Fifteenth Quarterly Progress Report, October-December 1963
Development of nuclear reactor cores having high power density, long fuel life, and low fabrication costs is the objective of this program sponsored by the AEC. Five tasks are in progress: (1) Task 1A-High Power Density Fuel Development. All fuel irradiation has been terminated with the final shutdown of the VBWR. The high burnup average achieved by a single assembly in the group is 10,000 MWD/T (assembly 1F). Twenty-one of the original 24 assemblies have failed or are suspected of failure. Profilometer tests rung on HPD assembly 2E, Rod B, indicate that localized clad deformation occurs during operation. (2) Task 1B-Fuel Fabrication Development. Assembly. All fuel irradiation has been terminated with the final shutdown of the VBWR. The highest average burnup achieved by a single assembly in the group was assembly 4S with 8400 MWD/T. All assemblies in the group have failed or are suspected of failure. The Phase I developmental fuel continues to be irradiated in the Big rock Point reactor with the lead assembly having reached 1500 MWD/T. Fifteen phase II developmental assemblies are being construction for insertion at Big Rock Point in March. Engineering is underway to provide one instrumented assembly probe and two spare flowmeters for use in phase II testing. Flowmeter bearing are being redesigned to minimize crud access and changes of bearing seizure. (3) Task II-Stability, Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow. Phase I of the reactor performance tests has now been completed. These tests consisted of core performance, control rod oscillator, pressure transient, and flow tests. Reduction of the data from these tests has begun, and preliminary results have been prepared for use by the Consumers Power Company in relicensing for Phase II. (4) Task III-Physics Development. Power distribution calculations have been performed for the proposed 84-bundle, 75 MWe core and for the high …
In-Core Instrumentation Development Program Quarterly Progress Report September - December 1963
Introduction: The objective of Project Agreement 22 is to determine the feasibility of using in-core ion chambers to cover the complete reactor neutron flux startup range from 10(4) -5 - 10(13) nv using in-core ion chambers. The counting mode of operation will be used at low neutron flux levels and the RMS voltage fluctuation mode (Campbell Theorem) will be used at high neutron flux levels. The June-September Progress Report (GEAP-4386) shows how the RMS voltage mode can be used, discusses counting problems with long cable and ways of maximizing signal levels. This report discusses primarily the effect of gamma on counting with in-core ion chambers and the range of neutron flux measurable in the RMS voltage mode. Readers are referred to GEAP-4386 for a summary of all previous progress to attain the objective of PA-22.
Two-Phase Pressure Losses Quarterly Progress Report: Seventh Quarter, August 12, 1963 - November 11, 1963
Technical report describing that the pressure drop along an annular channel with dimensions D(1) = 0.375 inch; D(2) = 0.875 inch, L = 70 inches. Flow was vertical and upward, and only the internal surface was heated. Subcooled conditions existed at the inlet, with two-phase conditions at the exit. Groups of three radial spacer pins on 18-inch centers along the channel, held the inner surface concentric with the outer surface. The single phase loss coefficient for each spacer group is K(8) = 0.21. The single phase friction factor for the annual channel is given by f = 0.16 N(R)(-0.16). The two phase pressure drop increases as the quality increases for G [over] 10(6) = 0.5 ;b/hr ft(2). The effect of heat flux on the pressure drop is very is very slight over the range of fluxes tested (0.55 less than or equal to Q over 10(6).\ less than or equal to 0.8). The two-phase pressure drop gradient in the same annulus, with no heat addition is qualitatively the same as for a 1/4-inch by 1-3/4 inches rectangular channel but is quantitatively greater than for the rectangular channel.
Accurate Nuclear Fuel Burnup Analyses; Eighth Quarterly Progress Report, (September - November 1963)
The objective of the Accurate Nuclear Fuel Burnup Analyses program is to develop more accurate methods for burnup analysis for general use than the current method of analysis of Ca-137 or Sr-90. The program will require from three to five years of effort.
Influence of the Doppler Effect on the Meltdown Accident
The influence of the Doppler effect in the core disassembly process following a meltdown accident is examined with a Bethe-Tait type model in which the Doppler effect, as well as core disassembly, is considered in the reactor shutdown process. It is shown that a strong negative Doppler effect can radically reduce the explosive energy release in such an accident. (auth)
Nuclear Superheat Quarterly Project Report: Seventeenth Quarter, August-October 1963
From introduction: "This is the seventeenth in a series of quarterly reports which cover the progress and results from the conceptual designs, economic evaluations and research and development work performed by the General Electric Company as part of Contract AT(01-3)-189, Project Agreement No. 13."
A Uranium Dioxide Fuel Rod Center Melting Test in the Vallecitos Boiling Water Reactor
Technical report describing that as part of the AEC Fuel Cycle Program, tests are being conducted to evaluate the significance of current fuel design limitations that do not permit the maximum fuel temperature to exceed the melting point of UO2. The reliability of prediction of the fuel rod operating conditions that will cause melting of the UO2 was evaluated by means of a calibration test conducted in the Vallecitos Boiling Water Reactor. Conclusions: (a) The central portion of the 3.15-cm diameter uranium dioxide fuel column melted. It appears that the UO2 was molten to a radius of 1.22 cm in the peak power region. The maximum extent of melting probably occurred during the peak power run when the kdT in this region of the rod reached 171 watts cm. The estimated radius of melting from metallographic examination indicates the kdT for sintered UO2 is 89 watts/cm. This supports a calculated estimate for sintered UO2 thermal conductivity published by D. R. deHalas and G. R. Horn. The results of the previous calibration run and subsequent experimental data by Lyons are also consistent with the value. This conclusion is contingent on the interpretation of the post-irradiation crystal structure of the UO2. Insufficient data are available on the mechanisms by which various UO2 crystal structures are formed to permit a positive identification of the extent of melting and correlation with time of operation. No conclusion can be drawn as to whether the thermal conductivity of the UO2 changed with operation. (b) Although extensive UO2 melting occurred, there was no indication of fuel rod clad failure. (c) Axial heat transfer by convection in the molten UO2 was significant.
Reactor Safety and Fuel Cycle Economics Considerations for Fast Reactors
Abstract: A core design study of a 10 Mwe fast ceramic reactor is presented. Local reactivity coefficients, safety criteria, accident analyses, and economics are considered. An attempt is made to find a new balance of characteristics by purely geometric devices, i.e., by exploring the sodium : fuel ratio and varying the height : diameter ratio of the core. The use of BeO in the core was also investigated.
Maritime Loop Irradiation Program for Savannah I Fuel Post-Irradiation Examination of SI5BM Fuel Assembly
Abstract: A stainless steel clad 9-rod assembly fabricated by The Babcock & Wilcox Company was irradiated in a boiling water loop of the General Electric Test Reactor. A post-irradiation examination revealed no significant dimensional changes on the fuel rods. the results of mass spectrometric analysis made of the pelletized UO2 fuel indicated a maximum burnup of 11,500 MWD/tonne was attained by Rod B-4 during the exposure.An x-ray diffraction examination of an unirradiated fuel sample revealed the presence of UN2 and U2N3 phases. Metallographic examination of the irradiated microstructures revealed similar second-phase particles.
Development of Pulsed Neutron Application to Power Reactor Start-Up Procedures. Sixth Quarterly Progress Report, July 1-September 30, 1963
Activities in a program to develop techniques in the use of pulsed neutron sources to measure shutdown parameters related to large thermal power reactors are reported. The development of pulsed neutron source techniques for large power reactors has led to a new theoretical model recently developed by E. Garelis and J.L. Russell, Jr. The theory is presently based on a bare, one-group model with m-delayed precursors and takes all spatial modes into account. Results indicate, however, that the application of this model is much broader. Experiments were designed and carried out to both verify this new theory and to demonstrate the performance of the experimental hardware in a large power reactor.
Environmental Testing of a B4C-Ni Prototype Control Rod
Summary: A prototype control rod containing absorber plates made from an electro- deposited dispersion of boron carbide in nickel was tested in the VBWR. It was exposed to the reactor environment of 545 degree F boiling water and thermal neutron fluxes (perturbed) which ranged from 0.6 to 1.1 x 10/sup 13/ nv for 2236 hours over a period of six months. The maximum B/sup 10/ burnup achieved during the test period was 1.8 percent. After irradiation, the rod was examined. The results of the examination are summarized below: (1) The B/sub 4/C-- Ni plate assembly did not undergo significant dimensional changes during irradiation. (2) Numerous blisters developed on both the outer and inner surfaces of three of the four plates. Blistering was more severe on the outer surface than on the inner, and was most severe in a large region located in the lower half of plate 4. Metallographic examination revealed that the blisters were located only in the 2- mil protective nickel overlay covering the B/sub 4/C-- Ni dispersion. It was concluded that they formed from the buildup of gas pressure at the Ni: Ni-- B/sub 4/C interfaces, rather than from corrosion attack. Helium from the B/sup 10/(n alpha )Li/sup 7/ reaction probably contributed to this pressure. However it is conjectured that the major gas was very likely hydrogen, possibly generated and dissolved in the nickel during electroplating and then released to defects at the Ni: Ni--B/sub 4/C interface during reactor exposure. The variation in the degree of blistering among the four plates of the prototype indicated that the blistering was related to variations in the fabrication process. Failure of the nickel overlay was not observed in any of the blisters examined metallographically, and the underlying B/sub 4/C-- Ni appeared to be in good condition. (3) Evidence of corrosion …
Fuel Cycle Program Design and Fabrication of Special Assembly 10-L : Compacted Powder Fuel Rods Clad With 0.127-MM Wall Stainless Steel
Technical report describing sixteen fuel rods clad with thin type 304 stainless steel and filled with vibratory compact powder UO2 that were fabricated and incorporated into a bundle for irradiation testing in the VBWR. The UO2 powders were tested for gas content. N2, CO, and H2 were the principal gases evolved by both type of UO2, but the arc-fused UO2 released about ten times as much gas as the Dyna Pak UO2. The amount of gas released was also a function of particle size and temperature. The gas evolution data were used to design the gas plenum to accommodate the absorbed gases along with the fission gases.
High Power Density Development Project: Fourteenth Quarterly Progress Report, July-September 1963
Development of nuclear reactor cores having high power density, long fuel life, and low fabrication costs is the objective of this program sponsored by the AEC. Five tasks are in progress: (1) Task 1A-High Power Density Fuel Development. The number of assemblies has been reduced to seven as a result of the failure of two pellet fuel assemblies. The average burnup of the group operating as of September 1 is 7500 MWD/T. (2) Task 1B-Fuel Fabrication Development. Assembly. Assembly 12S gave positive signals of being a leaker under the multi-type in-core sampler and was declared failed based on the in-core results and visual observation of a cracked rod. Modifications to the instrumented fuel assembly probes were made by removing the failed flow meter rotors to allow continued use of the flux detectors and thermocouples. Flux detectors and thermocouples performed properly after reactor start up. Flux wire tubes were found to be kinked such that their use was prohibited. (3) Task II-Stability, Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow. A series of noise recordings of fluxes, flows, and temperatures has been made at 91 MWt at the Big Rock Point plant. Preliminary analyses of some of the these records were made to obtain noise amplitude as a function of frequency. Thermocouple response tests were performed to verify the temperature measurement obtained during the steady-state noise tests at Big Rock. (4) Task III-Physics Development. Plans for achieving optimum performance from the Big Rock plant are being based on the concept of maintaining a fixed power shape throughout each operating cycle. The desired shape for the present cycle has been computed. Methods of selecting control rod patterns to maintain this shape are being investigated for use in the on-line computer. The computer was put on line during plant startup in August, and is presently performing …
In-Core Instrumentation Development Program Quarterly Progress Report June - September 1963
Introduction: The objective of Project Agreement 22 is to determine the feasibility of covering the complete reactor neutron flux start range from 10(3) - 5 x 10(13) nv by using in-core chambers. The counting mode of operating will be used at low neutron fluxes and the root mean square voltage fluctuation mode will be used at high neutron flux levels. Experiments have been run utilizing various ion chambers, gases, gas pressures, voltage, and cables to measure sensitivities and range operating in the counting and RMS voltage modes. Theoretical discussions are presented showing how the RMS voltage is related to individual pulse at both amplifier input and output. Noise is also compared at amplifier output so that the optimum bandwidth can be selected. Spectral shifts with changes in applied voltage causing signal variations have been examined and can be eliminated by appropriate selection of amplifier bandwidth. In the counting mode, all experiments have been conducted with unterminated cable. The chamber has been designed with geometry, gas, and pressure to completely stop fission fragments in the gas and hence maximize the charge generated in the chamber. Cables have been selected to minimize capacity. Various gases, pressures, and voltages have been used to determine that an optimum design has been achieved.
Prediction of Two-Phase Critical Flow Rate
Technical report of a proposal of an analytical model to predict two-phase critical flow rate. The model is based upon thermal equilibrium, a "lumped" treatment of the two-phase velocity (each phase is represented by a single mean velocity), and upon the neglect of frictional and hydrostatic pressure losses. A comparison, of the proposed predictions with available test results and previous analyses shows that: (1) The present model agrees very well with the published test data. (2) In contrast to all other analyses, the model requires no assumption about the gas void fraction.
Fuel Failure Examinations and Analyses in the High Power Density Program
Summary: The High Power Density Project includes a comprehensive fuel development program which has the objective of developing and demonstrating the performance of a nuclear reactor core having a high power density, long fuel life, and low fabrication cost. The fuel program is made up of two principal tasks. Task 1A consists of irradiation tests in the VBWR of Type 304 stainless steel clad, UO2 pellet type fuel rods fabricated by current commercial processes. Task 1B consists of the investigation of lower cost fabrication processes and the irradiation testing of fuel elements fabricated by these processes. Both tasks include the investigation of the feasibility and use of thin-wall stainless steel cladding as a means of improving the neutron economy and fuel cycle costs of stainless steel clad fuel. Irradiation of the Task 1A fuel assemblies in the VBWR was initiated in September, 1960. Subsequently, Task 1B fuel assemblies were inserted in the VBWR as various fabrication processes and design concepts were investigated. Fuel cladding failures have occurred in fuel rods in both Task 1A and 1B. As of this date, cladding failures have occurred in twenty-two rods of approximately 700 fuel rods which have been irradiated. Twenty of the failures occurred in cold worked tubing and two in tubing procured commercially as annealed materials.
Nuclear Superheat Quarterly Project Report: Sixteenth Quarter, May-July 1963
From introduction: "This is the sixteenth in a series of quarterly reports which cover the progress and results from the conceptual designs, economic evaluations and research and development work performed by the General Electric Company as part of Contract AT(01-3)-189, Project Agreement No. 13."
Maritime Loop Irradiation Program, S-I-5-B-M Fuel Irradiation Water Chemistry, Final Report
Introduction: The purpose of this technical report is to review the water chemistry methods and equipment developed for use with the Maritime Loop Irradiation Program conducted in the General Electric Test Reactor (GETR) from December 2, 1960 to July 19, 1962. Special emphasis is given to areas having general application to other high purity water systems. The Appendix includes a discussion of specific conductivity and pH in high purity water systems. A major section of this report is devoted to a review of gross activity levels on coupons of two different surface finishes exposed in the loop coolant system for various time intervals. A major objective of the chemistry program was to select or develop analytical methods such that the analyses could be performed at the loop location by technical personnel who normally operate the loop. By this means, frequent samples were obtained and analyzed directly thus providing close monitoring and control of the loop water chemistry at minimum expense.
Physics Design of the Mixed Spectrum Critical Assembly
Summary: The Mixed Spectrum Superheater (MSSR) is an integral superheater reactor in which boiling occurs in an annular Boiling Water Reactor section and steam in superheated in an unmoderated fast section in the center. A Mixed Spectrum Critical Assembly (MSCA) to be operated at the Vallecitos Atomic Laboratory has been designed to mock up a 75-150 MWe prototype MSSR. The principal experimental measurements aimed at proving the feasibility of the MSSR concept include power distribution, Doppler effect, flooding effects, distribution of reactivity, control rod worths, and the effect of the control system on the power distribution.
High Power Density Development Project: Potter Meter Calibration and Instrumented Fuel Bundle Pressure Drop
Summary: Technical report describing the testing of eight Potter Meters, for metering inlet flow and measuring exit steam qualities in the Consumers Big Rock Point Instrumented Fuel Assemblies, were individually calibrated for flow and pressure drop up to 500 gpm in the low temperature (130 F) fluid flow facility. The flow calibration comparison made with an ASME orifice installation, agreed to within + - 1 percent among seven of the meters, and meter Serial No. 8 was 2.8 percent lower than the others. Pressure drop among the meters was within about 5 percent. Locked rotor pressure drop data was obtained on one meter. A fully instrumented fuel bundle was tested in the low temperature facility and pressure drop data obtained for the tieplates and meters, spacers, and channel rods. A mock-up of the exit end of the instrumented fuel bundles, composed of 1 foot of fuel rods, tieplate, and Potter Meter was tested in the High Pressure Heat Transfer Facility. Data was obtained for single- and two-phase calibration of total flow and exit steam quality in an instrumented bundle. Each meter was operated, for a minimum of 6-8 hours after bearing modifications necessitated by seizure of the rotors, in the High Pressure Facility under conditions of 1000 psi and qualities of about 5-6 percent to verify operation and obtain some run-in time before reactor installation. A total of 655 hours of test and run-in time was made on all eight meters.
Development of Pulsed Neutron Application to Power Reactor Start-Up Procedures. Fifth Quarterly Progress Report, April 1-June 30, 1963
Activities in a program to develop techniques in the use of pulsed neutron sources to measure shutdown parameters related to large thermal power reactors are reported. The development of pulsed neutron source techniques for large power reactors has led to a new theoretical model recently developed by E. Garelis and J.L. Russell, Jr. The theory is presently based on a bare, one-group model with m-delayed precursors and takes all spatial modes into account. Results indicate, however, that the application of this model is much broader. Experiments were designed and carried out to both verify this new theory and to demonstrate the performance of the experimental hardware in a large power reactor.
Residual and Fission Gas Release from Uranium Dioxide
Abstract: Residual and fission gas release from UO2 were studied in the laboratory and in in-reactor experiments. Arc-fused powder and sintered pellets were used to determine the rate of evolution and types of residual gases as a function of temperature. Fission gas release was related to the average UO2 temperature and fission gas release calculations were made using the latest thermal conductivity values, isotopic half lives, and branching ratios available in the literature. The results obtained were compared with those available in the literature, and a satisfactory agreement was found among the groups of comparable data.
Accurate Nuclear Fuel Burnup Analysis Quarterly Progress Report: Sixth Quarter, March 1963 - May 1963
Quarterly progress report on Accurate Nuclear Fuel Burnup Analysis project.
Nuclear Superheat Project. Internal Steam Separation Development of Radial Vane Steam Separators
This technical report describes the development, design, operation, and performance of a full-circle, radial-vane steam separator for the boiling water section of a nuclear superheat reactor. Steam-water tests of this model have demonstrated that is has vane capacity in excess of that required for the 300-Mx(e) separate superheat reactor and for the 300-Mw mixed spectrum superheat reactor. It is proposed that the vane capacity requirement of the 600 Mw(e) separate superheat reactor may be attained by increasing the nozzle length.
Heat Transfer to Superheated Steam
Abstract: The physical property variation of superheated steam differs sufficiently from most other gases to warrant experimental investigation of heat transfer performance. Results are reported here of measurements made in a uniformly heated circular duct with steam at 1000 psi. The data agree very well with the expression use for design purposes, which is based on information in the literature for heating of other gases as well as steam. This work was a continuation of that performed under Task (Heat Transfer) of the Nuclear Superheat Project, AEC Contract AT(04-3)-189, Project Agreement 13.
Power Distributions for Type 3 Replacement Cores for SM-1, SM-1A and PM-2A
Abstract: The most adverse power distribution and power peaking factors have been developed for Type 3 replacement cores for SM-1, SM-1A, and PM-2A. Also included is the 37 element Type 3 core for SM-1, which is known as SM-1 Core III and is a prototype of a Type 3 core for PM-2A. The power distributions were compared with measured distributions obtained on type 3 fuel elements in SM-1, SM-1A and PM-2A core configurations. Using the measured data as a standard, correction factors were obtained and applied to the analytical predictions of the most adverse power distribution.
Thermal Analysis of SM-1 Core III
Abstract This technical report covers the thermal analysis performed on the SM-1 Core III for both steady state and transient conditions is reported. SM-1 Core III will be used as a test for Type 3 elements in a PM-2A Core. The steady state analysis indicated minimum departure from nucleate boiling ratios (DNBR) for both design and scram conditions above the minimum criteria of 1.5. Local nucleate boiling was noted in the hot internal channels and lattice passage at scram power conditions. Loss of flow transient results indicate DNBR's above 1.5, insuring that the core is safe from burnout. Bulk boiling was noted in the hot channels and lattice passage at scram power condition.
Hazards Report for PM-2A Core II
Abstract: This technical report describes the changes incurred in the PM-2A by the planned insertion of PM-2A Core II and the replacement of the startup and check sources. PM-2A Core II components were fabricated to specifications very nearly identical to those of PM-2A Core I. The essential difference in the cores is the boron loading which permits PM-2A Core II to meet a "one-stuck rod criteria" at beginning of life. This core has been subjected to a zero power experiment and loading procedures have been developed at the Alco Critical Facility. The nuclear and thermal and hydraulic characteristics are essentially identical to those of Core I and the replacement of the startup and check sources represent no increase in the potential for or magnitude of a hazardous situation.
SM-1 Shielding Analyses
Abstract: This technical report analyzes gamma dose rate and neutron measurements in their relation to the SM-1 shield design and is a continuation of previous shielding measurements and analyses reported in APAE-35 and APAE-35 Supplement 2. The data reported herein are spent fuel element and rod drive pit gamma dose rates. An analysis of gamma dose rates off the core midplane is presented and compared with test data.
Silver - Cadmium - Indium Absorber Development
Abstract: This technical report covers development of an AG-Cd-In alternate absorber section for Army Type SM reactors. It describes the absorber material composition and the geometric configuration. It gives the nuclear and thermal analyses supporting this configuration and a detailed description of the manufacturing practice employed in fabricating the final design component.
Army PWR Support and Development Program Six Months Summary Report : October 1, 1961 - March 31, 1962
Abstract: Progress is reported on research and development tasks under the Program Plan for Engineering Support and Development of Army Pressurized Water Reactor Power Plants, Contract AT(30-1)-2639, during the six months' period October 1, 1061 to March 31, 1962.
Startup Testing of the PM-2A Nuclear Power Plant
Abstract: A detailed description of the PM-2A reactor, primary system and instrumentation is presented. A general description of the secondary system and plant arrangement at Camp Century, Greenland is included. The results of the startup physics, shielding, thermal and hydraulics and radiochemistry test are presented. the analysis performed on the shielding and thermal and hydraulic tests is included. The shielding problem at startup and the shielding modification made to the plant are described along with the radiation measurements made in these areas.
Preliminary Technical Report SM-1 Core III with Type 3 Elements
Abstract: This preliminary technical report covers design of the SM Type 3 element, its use .in.. SM-1 Core III, and planned use in the Type 3 Core for PM-2A. The Type:3 element characteristics are compared with Type 1 (SM-1 Core I) element nuclear, metallurgical, thermal and hydraulic characteristics and fabrication. The effect of using the Type 3 element in SM-1 Core III and. its planned use in a Type 3 Core for PM-2A is discussed with regard to operation, shielding, reactor safety and all conceivable special problems.
SM-1 Reactor Vessel Closure Stud Investigation
Abstract: This report presents metallurgical .analyses and corrosion tests conducted to determine :causes of failure of two SM- 1 reactor vessel studs due to fracture in the threaded areas, after 23 months' operation (March 1959). Conclusions of corrosion tests are: (1) failure of the studs was caused by stress corrosion cracking, (2) contributing factors to failure of the studs were improper control of heat treatment of the studs and absence of treatment for stress relief after thread grinding operation.
Shielding Measurements at the SM-1 Reactor : June 1961
Abstract: Neutron flux and gamma radiation measurements through the SM-1 primary shield were made at the startup of Core II in June 1961. They extend previous measurements (APAE-35) both vertically and horizontally in the primary shield and in the rod drive pit. Dose rate measurements on spent fuel elements under water are also reported.
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